Adobe Digital Editions 4 Security Issues

Recently libraries were made aware of some privacy and security concerns around the newly released Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) 4 Reader. ADE Reader is the most commonly used desktop application for accessing eBooks that contain Adobe’s DRM (Digital Rights Management) software.

The information is not being passed from the eBook lending service but rather from the client software (ADE 4 Reader) used to open the protected eBook.

If you have installed ADE 4 and have concerns, revert to older versions of the software, such as ADE 3. Older versions do not transfer personal information to Adobe.

Tablet-based reader apps for iOS and Android, such as Overdrive or the Bluefire Reader, are also available. These apps can unlock eBooks protected with the Adobe DRM without communicating personal information to Adobe.